Living donor hepatectomy: Study of donor profile and perioperative complications

IntroductionDonor morbidity is of prime concern in living donor liver transplant (LDLT). Several centers in India have reported outstanding outcomes of LDLT. This study intends to reiterate the importance of donor safety in liver transplantation.Aims and objectivesTo review the outcome of donor hepatectomies in LDLT at our center.Materials and methodsThis study retrospectively analyzes the outcomes of 34 consecutive living donor hepatectomies performed between Apr 2007 and Jun 2013. Complications following major donor hepatectomy were stratified according to Clavien classification of postoperative surgical complications.ResultsNine living donors had perioperative complications. Grade 1 complications were most frequent (20.6%); grade 2 in 6%; while none had any higher grades of complications. No donor mortality was present.ConclusionMeticulous preoperative donor selection criteria and adherence to predefined surgical protocols can ensure minimal donor morbidity.